give_v i_o as_o i_o shall_v do_v which_o my_o neighbour_n do_v not_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o he_o to_o hell_n and_o as_o he_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o the_o one_o â—o_z i_o be_o behold_v to_o none_o but_o myself_o for_o the_o other_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o main_a of_o the_o pelagian_a divinity_n though_o much_o more_o compendious_o deliver_v in_o that_o know_v but_o lewd_a aphorism_n of_o they_o a_o deo_fw-la habemus_fw-la quòd_fw-la sumus_fw-la homines_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la autem_fw-la ipsis_fw-la quod_fw-la sumus_fw-la justi._n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v another_o of_o their_o principlâ—â—_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o natural_o he_o can_v do_v still_o understand_v hereby_o the_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n god_n be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o supply_v whatsoever_o more_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n which_o premise_n if_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o unavoidable_o 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salvation_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v necessary_a thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n throughout_o all_o this_o pelagian_a scheme_n we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o man_n natural_a impotency_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n though_o inculcate_v and_o write_v in_o both_o testament_n with_o a_o sunbeam_n nor_o consequent_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o powerful_a divine_a energy_n to_o bend_n incline_v and_o effectual_o draw_v man_n will_n to_o such_o object_n as_o it_o natural_o resist_v and_o be_v averse_a to_o not_o a_o word_n i_o say_v of_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o for_o those_o man_n use_v to_o explode_v and_o deny_v it_o all_o as_o their_o modern_a offspring_n among_o we_o also_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o pass_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a divinity_n in_o the_o church_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o within_o less_o thâ—â—_n a_o hundred_o year_n since_o in_o our_o church_n too_o till_o pelagianism_n and_o socinianism_n deism_n tritheism_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o innovation_n the_o root_n of_o all_o and_o worse_o than_o all_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o by_o false_a scheme_n of_o model_n countenance_v and_o encourage_v have_v give_v quite_o a_o new_a face_n to_o thing_n though_o a_o new_a face_n be_v certain_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o unbecoming_a that_o can_v be_v set_v upon_o a_o old_a religion_n but_o second_o to_o proceed_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n famous_a for_o corrupt_a christianity_n more_o way_n than_o one_o to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o popery_n also_o even_o the_o great_a diana_n which_o some_o of_o the_o most_o experience_a craftsman_n in_o the_o world_n do_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n sacrifice_n to_o and_o make_v shrine_n for_o and_o by_o so_o do_v get_v their_o live_n and_o that_o a_o very_a plentyful_a and_o splendid_a one_o too_o as_o know_v full_a well_o that_o without_o it_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v all_o their_o religion_n will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n than_o no_o supererogation_n and_o if_o no_o supererogation_n no_o indulgence_n and_o if_o no_o indulgence_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o silversmiths_n trade_n will_v run_v low_a and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o pontifical_a bank_n begin_v to_o fail_v so_o that_o the_o very_a marrow_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o popery_n lie_v in_o a_o stiff_a adherence_n to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o grand_a question_n still_o insist_v upon_o by_o these_o merchant_n be_v quid_fw-la dabitis_fw-la and_o the_o great_a commodity_n set_v to_o sale_n by_o they_o be_v merit_n for_o can_v any_o one_o think_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a grandee_n care_v a_o rush_n whether_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v free_a or_o no_o as_o the_o jesuit_n state_n the_o freedom_n of_o it_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o dominican_n and_o jansenist_n on_o the_o other_o or_o that_o they_o at_o all_o concern_v themselves_o about_o justification_n and_o free_a grace_n but_o only_o as_o the_o artificial_a state_v of_o such_o point_n may_v sometime_o serve_v they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a traffic_n and_o now_o and_o then_o help_v they_o to_o turn_v the_o penny_n no_o they_o value_n not_o their_o school_n any_o further_a than_o they_o furnish_v their_o market_n nor_o regard_v any_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o cardinal_n palaviâ—cini_n which_o profess_o own_v it_o for_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n as_o rich_a as_o great_a and_o as_o happy_a as_o they_o can_v be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o grand_a instrument_n to_o compass_v all_o this_o by_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o in_o that_o communion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o do_v so_o much_o less_o than_o they_o know_v they_o be_v require_v to_o do_v for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v very_o well_o keep_v their_o neighbour_n lamp_n from_o go_v out_o by_o have_v oil_n enough_o both_o to_o supply_v their_o own_o and_o a_o comfortable_a overplus_n beside_o to_o lend_v or_o which_o be_v much_o better_o to_o sell_v in_o such_o a_o case_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o the_o house_n must_v fall_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n beat_z down_z merit_n and_o down_o go_v popery_n too_o and_o so_o at_o length_n that_o i_o may_v not_o trespass_v upon_o your_o patience_n too_o much_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a propose_v at_o â—â—â—st_n from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n natural_o apt_a to_o issue_v â—â—om_o the_o foregoing_a particular_n the_o objection_n be_v obvious_a and_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o it_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o doctrine_n hitherto_o advance_v be_v true_a can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o man_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n than_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o obedience_n all_o their_o duty_n and_o choice_a performance_n be_v nothing_o worth_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o after_o they_o have_v do_v their_o best_a their_o utmost_a and_o their_o very_o all_o in_o his_o service_n be_v still_o for_o all_o that_o vseless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o such_o as_o can_v plead_v no_o recompense_n at_o all_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a but_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o neither_o aught_o nor_o use_n to_o be_v any_o discouragement_n to_o a_o beggar_n â—s_v we_o all_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o continue_v ask_v a_o alm_n and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o though_o he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o claim_v it_o but_o second_o i_o deny_v that_o our_o disavoâ—â—ing_n this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n cut_v we_o 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o plea_n to_o a_o recompense_n for_o our_o christian_a obedience_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n it_o cut_v we_o off_o indeed_o from_o all_o plea_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o condignity_n and_o strict_a justice_n but_o than_o shall_v we_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n consider_v whether_o god_n justice_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v oblige_v he_o in_o hiâ—_n transacting_n with_o man_n for_o do_v not_o hâ—â—_n veracity_n and_o his_o promise_n oblige_v he_o aâ—_n much_o as_o his_o justice_n can_v and_o have_v hâ—_n
be_v lay_v by_o socinianism_n whereupon_o their_o old_a popery_n get_v a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o more_o rigorous_a imposition_n than_o before_o the_o government_n prefer_v a_o less_o pure_a and_o perfect_a christianity_n before_o the_o most_o refine_a turcism_n this_o be_v the_o method_n take_v there_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v not_o have_v the_o like_a issue_n here_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a among_o you_o when_o a_o certain_a mahometan_a christian_n no_o new_a thing_n of_o late_a notorious_a for_o his_o blasphemous_a denial_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o his_o insufferable_a virulence_n against_o the_o whole_a christian_a priesthood_n think_v to_o have_v find_v shelter_n among_o you_o the_o parliament_n to_o their_o immortal_a honour_n present_o send_v he_o pack_v and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o faggot_n soon_o make_v the_o kingdom_n too_o hot_a for_o he_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n doubtless_o how_o far_o we_o be_v from_o need_v those_o savage_a execution_n use_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n where_o authority_n animate_v with_o due_a zeal_n will_v attempt_v that_o worthy_a work_n by_o other_o more_o humane_a but_o not_o less_o effectual_a mean_n nothing_o certain_o but_o power_n as_o the_o world_n now_o go_v can_v keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o now_o my_o lord_n may_v that_o god_n by_o who_o prince_n and_o prelate_n governor_n and_o church_n stand_v long_o preserve_v your_o grace_n and_o that_o excellent_a church_n which_o you_o be_v so_o eminent_a a_o pillar_n of_o and_o ornament_n to_o and_o which_o by_o her_o incomparable_a courage_n and_o faithfulness_n late_o show_v in_o preserve_v that_o great_a depositum_fw-la the_o holy_a religion_n commit_v to_o her_o trust_n have_v get_v herself_o a_o name_n which_o will_v never_o die_v and_o such_o a_o solid_a well-founded_n reputation_n as_o no_o bend_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n no_o trim_v or_o trick_v it_o ever_o can_v or_o can_v give_v so_o ample_a and_o so_o considerable_a a_o body_n for_o it_o be_v lead_v only_o that_o bend_v to_o almost_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o noble_a metal_n can_v do_v and_o the_o noble_a sort_n of_o mind_n will_v not_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o trespass_n too_o far_o upon_o your_o grace_n time_n and_o business_n and_o therefore_o humble_o implore_v your_o grace_n blessing_n i_o lay_v these_o poor_a paper_n at_o your_o foot_n infinite_o unworthy_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n and_o the_o perusal_n of_o so_o judicious_a a_o eye_n but_o yet_o at_o present_a the_o best_a pledge_n i_o can_v give_v your_o grace_n of_o those_o sincere_a respect_n and_o service_n which_o your_o grace_n ought_v always_o to_o claim_v and_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o receive_v from_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n ever_o faithful_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n robert_n south_n westminster_n april_n 30._o 1698._o the_o content_n of_o the_o sermon_n sermon_n i._n job_n xxii_o 2_o former_a part_n can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n p._n 3_o sermon_n two_o luk._n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n p._n 35_o sermon_n iii_o matth._n v._o 44_o former_a part_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n p._n iii_o sermon_n iu._n matth._n vii_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o p._n 165_o sermon_n v._o 1_o cor._n viii_o 12_o but_o when_o you_o sin_n so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ._n p._n 211_o sermon_n vi_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 7_o former_a part_n but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n p._n 259_o sermon_n vii_o revel_v xxii_o 16_o latter_a part_n i_o be_o the_o root_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o morningstar_n p._n 315_o sermon_n viii_o john_n i._n 11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o p._n 361_o sermon_n ix_o isaiah_n liii_o 8_o latter_a part_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v p._n 415_o sermon_n x._o act_n ii_o 24_o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o p._n 463_o sermon_n xi_o 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n p._n 503_o sermon_n xii_o psalm_n cxliv_o 10_o former_a part_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n p._n 553_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a error_n of_o the_o press_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v correct_v page_n 27._o l._n 23._o r._n eleemosynary_a p._n 25._o l._n 23._o r._n suitable_a p._n 36._o l._n 22._o for_o do_v r._n de_fw-fr p._n 46._o l._n 14._o for_o of_o r._n and_o p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n unconceivable_o p._n 79._o l._n 15._o r._n ethiopian_n p._n 87._o l._n 1._o r._n skillfull_a p._n 89._o l._n 19_o for_o himself_o r._n him_n p._n 92._o l._n 19_o r._n instance_n p._n 122._o l._n 25._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 138._o l._n 2._o r._n artificial_o p._n 139._o l._n 25._o for_o ever_o r._n even_o p._n 150._o l._n 24._o deal_n the_o first_o and_n p._n 153._o l._n 9_o r._n head_n p._n 155._o l._n 12._o for_o who_o r._n who_o p._n 247._o l._n 16._o for_o last_o r._n late_a p._n 264._o l._n 23._o r._n influence_n p._n 283._o l._n 5._o r._n egyptian_n p._n 315._o l._n 10._o r._n epiphany_n p._n 351._o l._n 9_o r._n appearance_n p._n 451._o l._n 16._o for_o word_n r._n work_v p._n 456._o l._n last_o r._n renounce_v p._n 542._o l._n 1._o for_o rule_n r._n of_o rule_n p._n 578._o l._n 9_o deal_n from_o p._n 596._o l._n 13._o r._n concern_v book_n late_o print_v for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half-moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n twenty_o four_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o volume_n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq._n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o winchester_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697_o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq._n by_o francis_n gastrell_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ-church_n oxon._n some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v that_o controversy_n the_o second_o edition_n together_o with_o a_o defence_n of_o they_o against_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n a_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v assert_v and_o explain_v against_o negligence_n and_o profaneness_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o geo._n burghope_n rector_n of_o little_a gaddesden_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o conference_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o socinian_n in_o four_o dialogue_n wherein_o the_o late_a distinction_n of_o a_o real_a and_o a_o nominal_a trinitarian_n be_v consider_v by_o h._n de_fw-fr luzancy_n b._n d._n vic._n of_o dovercourt_n and_o harwich_n the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n state_v and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n merit_v of_o god_n assert_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o 22._o of_o job_n and_o the_o 2_o d_o verse_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n on_o decem._n 5_o the_o 1697._o job_n xxii_o 2_o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n certain_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v upon_o what_o term_n and_o â—_z he_o be_v to_o transact_v with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o by_o know_v upon_o what_o term_n he_o must_v obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o he_o will_v know_v also_o upon_o what_o ground_n he_o be_v to_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v it_o here_o and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v both_o his_o action_n and_o expectation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o lest_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o
fail_v of_o the_o prize_n he_o run_v for_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o st._n paul_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v express_v a_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o only_o as_o such_o nay_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o gift_n in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o affirm_v death_n to_o be_v as_o due_a to_o a_o sinner_n as_o wage_n be_v to_o a_o work_n man_n roman_n 6.23_o than_o which_o word_n nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o full_a and_o conclusive_a that_o salvation_n proceed_v whole_o upon_o free-gift_n though_o damnation_n upon_o strict_a desert_n nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n or_o rather_o sottishness_n of_o manâ—_n corrupt_a nature_n that_o this_o do_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mean_n satisfy_v he_o for_o though_o indeed_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v happy_a yet_o fain_o will_v he_o also_o thank_v none_o for_o it_o but_o himself_o and_o though_o he_o find_v that_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o necessity_n bring_v he_o every_o day_n upon_o his_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o very_a bread_n he_o eat_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_n thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n he_o appear_v and_o act_n not_o as_o a_o suppliant_a but_o as_o a_o merchant_n not_o as_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o to_o traffic_n for_o something_o he_o will_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o something_o he_o will_v give_v he_o and_o nothing_o will_v content_v this_o insolent_a yet_o impotent_a creature_n unless_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o buy_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o beg_v such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o baseness_n of_o some_o spirit_n that_o where_o they_o receive_v a_o benefit_n too_o big_a for_o they_o to_o requite_v they_o will_v even_o deny_v the_o kindness_n and_o disow_v the_o obligation_n now_o this_o great_a self-delusion_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o most_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o encounter_v in_o the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o which_o by_o a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n under_o a_o interrogation_n couch_v a_o positive_a assertion_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n of_o merit_n noâ—_n do_v this_o interrogative_n way_n of_o expression_n import_v only_o a_o bare_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o also_o a_o manifest_a undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o say_a impossibility_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v profitable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o man_n righteousness_n or_o to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o make_v his_o way_n perfect_a and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—â—an_z for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v so_o irrational_a a_o conceit_n or_o to_o affirm_v so_o gross_a a_o paradox_n and_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n but_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n will_v appear_v from_o a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n which_o we_o may_v not_o improper_o define_v a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o good_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o good_a do_v together_o with_o a_o equivalence_n or_o parity_n of_o worth_n between_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a do_v so_o that_o although_o according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n of_o justice_n into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a that_o which_o be_v call_v commutative_a be_v employ_v only_o about_o the_o strict_a value_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n and_o the_o other_o species_n of_o justice_n call_v distributive_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n admit_v of_o some_o latitude_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o truth_n even_o this_o distribution_n itself_o must_v so_o far_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o commutation_n that_o the_o good_a to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compensation_n of_o so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o sink_v below_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o full_a value_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o true_a philosophy_n merit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o exemplification_n of_o that_o note_a saying_n or_o maxim_n that_o one_o benefaction_n or_o good_a turn_n require_v another_o and_o import_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o man_n claim_n or_o title_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o good_a from_o another_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thus_o much_o therefore_o be_v premise_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o drift_n or_o design_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o further_a exposition_n we_o shall_v observe_v and_o draw_v from_o they_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o something_o suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o they_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o second_o something_o express_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o three_o something_o infer_v from_o both_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v the_o very_a source_n or_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o four_o and_o last_o something_o object_v against_o the_o particular_n discourse_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v â—o_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o place_n too_o high_a a_o value_n both_o upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o universal_a experience_n which_o prove_v it_o no_o less_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o bear_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o love_n we_o know_v be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o a_o proportionable_a esteem_n of_o the_o object_n love_v so_o that_o look_v in_o what_o degree_n any_o man_n love_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v esteem_v himself_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v his_o own_o price_n upon_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v whether_o the_o world_n will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o or_o no_o as_o it_o seldom_o do_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o mat._n nineteeen_o 27_o master_n say_v he_o we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v therefore_o in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o he_o as_o he_o think_v but_o strict_o a_o pennyworth_n for_o his_o penny_n and_o all_o this_o from_o a_o conceit_n that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o aâ—_n so_o exceed_o meritorious_a that_o it_o must_v even_o nonplus_n his_o master_n bouâ—â—y_n to_o quit_v score_n with_o he_o by_o a_o just_a requital_n nay_o so_o far_o have_v the_o same_o proud_a ferment_n get_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n that_o neither_o can_v their_o own_o low_a condition_n nor_o the_o constant_a sâ—rmons_n of_o that_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n who_o they_o daily_o converse_v with_o nor_o last_o the_o corrective_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n total_o clear_a and_o cure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o principle_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n work_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o consider_v also_o â—he_v
be_v impossible_a this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o a_o wretched_a inconsequence_n and_o yet_o nothing_o occur_v more_o common_o and_o that_o as_o a_o principle_n take_v for_o grant_v in_o the_o late_a write_n of_o some_o heterodox_n pert_n unwary_a man_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o socinian_n argument_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n turn_v and_o depend_v but_o withal_o so_o extreme_o remote_a be_v it_o from_o all_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n assignable_a for_o it_o but_o upon_o this_o one_o supposition_n namely_o that_o the_o reason_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o comprehend_v or_o thorough_o understanding_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o say_v must_v be_v suppose_v for_o no_o other_o foundation_n can_v support_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v human_o not_o intelligible_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reckon_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n also_o impossible_a but_o then_o every_o one_o must_v needs_o see_v and_o explode_v the_o horrible_a falseness_n of_o the_o forementioned_a supposition_n upon_o which_o alone_o this_o assertion_n be_v build_v and_o consequent_o this_o assertion_n itself_o must_v needs_o be_v altogether_o as_o false_a for_o who_o can_v comprehend_v or_o thorough_o understand_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o and_o how_o it_o act_v by_o and_o upon_o the_o body_n who_o can_v comprehend_v or_o give_v a_o full_a account_n how_o sensation_n be_v perform_v or_o who_o can_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o the_o whole_a mechanism_n of_o motion_n in_o all_o the_o spring_n and_o wheel_n of_o it_o nay_o who_o can_v resolve_v and_o clear_v off_o all_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o composition_n of_o a_o continue_a quantity_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o part_n divisible_a or_o indivisible_a both_o of_o which_o be_v attend_v with_o insuperable_a objection_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o actual_o existent_a in_o nature_n from_o all_o which_o therefore_o and_o from_o a_o thousand_o more_o such_o instance_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v i_o conclude_v that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o deny_v or_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o impossible_a because_o of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o all_o true_a principle_n both_o of_o divinity_n and_o philosophy_n utter_o inconsequent_a and_o irrational_a three_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n we_o learn_v also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v the_o great_a vanity_n and_o extravagant_a presumption_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o clear_v up_o all_o mystery_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n the_o attempt_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o can_v liken_v to_o nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o to_o those_o pretence_n to_o infallible_a cure_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v post_v up_o in_o every_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o pretence_n be_v post_v up_o together_o for_o i_o know_v no_o universal_a infallible_a remedy_n which_o certain_o cure_v or_o rather_o carry_v off_o all_o disease_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n but_o death_n which_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o remedy_n not_o much_o in_o request_n quack_n and_o mountebank_n be_v doubtless_o a_o very_a dangerous_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o physic_n but_o much_o more_o so_o in_o divinity_n they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o always_o very_o large_a in_o pretence_n and_o promise_n but_o short_a in_o performance_n and_o general_o fatal_a in_o their_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v several_a depth_n and_o difficulty_n as_o i_o note_v before_o both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n which_o man_n of_o part_n and_o solid_a learning_n after_o all_o their_o study_n find_v they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o but_o be_v force_v to_o give_v they_o over_o as_o thing_n unresolveable_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pronounce_v dogmatical_o on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o question_n among_o which_o say_v difficulty_n perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o great_a and_o more_o undecideable_a problem_n in_o natural_a theology_n and_o which_o have_v not_o only_o exercise_v but_o even_o crucify_a the_o great_a wit_n of_o all_o age_n than_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o immutable_a certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n with_o the_o freedom_n and_o contingency_n of_o all_o humane_a act_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o fore-known_a by_o he_o both_o part_n of_o which_o problem_n be_v certain_o true_a but_o how_o to_o explain_v and_o make_v out_o the_o accord_n between_o they_o without_o overthrow_v one_o of_o they_o have_v hitherto_o exceed_v the_o force_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o therefore_o socinus_n very_o roundly_o or_o rather_o indeed_o very_o profane_o deny_v any_o such_o prescience_n of_o future_a contingent_n to_o be_v in_o god_n at_o all_o but_o as_o profane_a as_o he_o be_v in_o thus_o cut_v asunder_o this_o knot_n other_o have_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a in_o pretend_v to_o untie_v it_o for_o do_v not_o some_o in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o diâ—â—ne_a attribute_n and_o decree_n promise_v the_o world_n such_o a_o clear_a account_n such_o a_o open_a explicit_a scheme_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o plain_a and_o evident_a even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o to_o any_o capacity_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o mean_a for_o to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o a_o large_a compass_n these_o thing_n neither_o be_v nor_o will_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o if_o such_o person_n can_v but_o obtain_v of_o heaven_n a_o continuance_n of_o life_n till_o they_o make_v good_a what_o they_o so_o confident_o undertake_v they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o sure_a way_n to_o outlive_v not_o only_a methusalah_n but_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o but_o then_o in_o come_v some_o other_o undertaker_n and_o promise_v we_o the_o same_o or_o great_a wonder_n in_o christian_a theology_n offer_v by_o some_o new_a whimsical_a explication_n of_o their_o own_o to_o make_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o plain_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a forsooth_o as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n they_o will_v represent_v and_o render_v they_o such_o mystery_n as_o shall_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o mystical_a in_o they_o and_o now_o be_v not_o this_o think_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a invention_n and_o much_o like_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o newfoundland_n some_o o_o brazile_n in_o divinity_n with_o so_o much_o absurd_a confidence_n do_v some_o discourse_n or_o rather_o romance_n upon_o the_o most_o mysterious_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o any_o man_n 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of_o particular_n and_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o governor_n can_v govern_v themselves_o that_o which_o like_o a_o worm_n eat_v out_o the_o every_o heart_n of_o government_n be_v the_o emulation_n the_o ambition_n and_o the_o discord_n of_o the_o party_n invest_v with_o it_o but_o the_o supremacy_n place_v in_o one_o cut_n off_o all_o these_o for_o no_o man_n be_v his_o own_o rival_n no_o man_n envy_v himself_o or_o design_n to_o trip_v up_o his_o own_o heel_n whatsoever_o he_o may_v chance_v to_o do_v and_o to_o show_v the_o naturalness_n of_o monarchy_n all_o other_o form_n of_o government_n insensible_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o slide_v into_o it_o for_o look_v upon_o any_o aristocracy_n or_o democracy_n and_o still_o you_o shall_v find_v some_o one_o rule_v active_a person_n among_o the_o rest_n who_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o he_o be_v not_o de_n wit_n among_o our_o neighbour_n a_o kind_n of_o king_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v not_o that_o 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law_n but_o now_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n where_o the_o prince_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o that_o royal_a skill_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o duâ—_n management_n of_o they_o for_o sure_o the_o bare_a image_n of_o a_o prince_n upon_o the_o coin_n of_o any_o nation_n can_v neither_o improve_v or_o employ_v the_o treasure_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v the_o military_a force_n of_o a_o kingdom_n do_v much_o to_o strengthen_v it_o shall_v the_o prince_n either_o wear_v a_o padlock_n upon_o his_o sword_n nor_o draw_v it_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o enemy_n nor_o last_o can_v the_o law_n much_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o if_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o be_v either_o neglect_v or_o discountenance_v for_o it_o be_v not_o how_o law_n be_v make_v nor_o how_o they_o be_v interpret_v but_o how_o they_o be_v use_v that_o must_v influence_n the_o public_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o moment_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o a_o prince_n for_o as_o he_o be_v qualify_v or_o dispose_v so_o all_o these_o great_a thing_n become_v helpful_a or_o ineffectual_a the_o treasure_n arm_n and_o law_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v all_o virtual_o in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v breathe_v life_n and_o efficacy_n into_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o first_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n extend_v such_o a_o particular_a providence_n over_o the_o person_n of_o king_n namely_o because_o the_o main_n concern_v of_o civil_a government_n and_o society_n which_o providence_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o preservation_n of_o be_v principal_o deposit_v in_o they_o second_o the_o other_o great_a reason_n be_v because_o prince_n have_v the_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o all_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o religion_n be_v indeed_o a_o immortal_a seed_n and_o the_o church_n be_v proof_n against_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o promise_n and_o so_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o eternal_a strength_n of_o god_n veracity_n nevertheless_o as_o to_o its_o outward_a state_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n it_o must_v clasp_v about_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o as_o that_o frown_n or_o smile_n upon_o it_o so_o it_o must_v droop_v or_o flourish_v according_o god_fw-we have_v declare_v king_n the_o nurse_n father_n of_o his_o church_n and_o every_o prince_n by_o the_o essential_a inherent_a right_n of_o his_o crown_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v a_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n he_o hold_v it_o by_o a_o charter_n from_o heaven_n long_o before_o the_o pope_n donation_n who_o never_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o prince_n but_o what_o be_v their_o own_o before_o every_o christian_a king_n be_v within_o his_o own_o dominion_n the_o great_a pastor_n both_o to_o rule_v christ_n flock_n and_o to_o see_v it_o feed_v though_o he_o do_v not_o feed_v it_o himself_o we_o know_v how_o glorious_a a_o deliverance_n our_o church_n receive_v this_o day_n and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o head_n which_o wear_v the_o crown_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v it_o to_o she_o king_n and_o church_n then_o as_o it_o be_v seldom_o otherwise_o be_v both_o design_v to_o the_o same_o fate_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o who_o know_v but_o for_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o god_n pave_v his_o way_n before_o he_o in_o such_o a_o peaceable_a entrance_n into_o the_o english_a throne_n so_o much_o above_o and_o against_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n round_o about_o he_o and_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n especial_o which_o it_o be_v well_o know_v have_v other_o design_n upon_o the_o anvil_n at_o that_o time_n and_o as_o he_o then_o save_v the_o church_n from_o perish_v by_o one_o blow_n so_o he_o afterward_o support_v it_o
nevertheless_o since_o by_o manifest_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n of_o magistrate_n or_o public_a person_n may_v here_o come_v into_o consideration_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n â—a_o command_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o descend_v from_o a_o magistrate_n or_o public_a person_n upon_o person_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o give_v out_o command_v stand_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n from_o his_o office_n to_o frame_v those_o law_n to_o the_o good_a or_o advantage_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o of_o the_o community_n or_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o his_o reason_n or_o conscience_n upon_o the_o best_a information_n he_o can_v get_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o make_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o law_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o these_o and_o that_o so_o apparent_o that_o without_o it_o they_o will_v be_v unavoidable_o hurt_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n if_o this_o law_n now_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n its_o be_v so_o be_v whole_o accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o concern_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nor_o make_v he_o chargeable_a with_o those_o sin_n in_o the_o least_o for_o sure_o where_o the_o public_a good_a of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o people_n come_v into_o competition_n with_o the_o private_a good_a of_o some_o particular_n so_o that_o both_o can_v possible_o be_v serve_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n there_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o bare_a reason_n will_v teach_v that_o the_o private_a must_v stoop_v to_o the_o public_a rather_o than_o the_o public_a be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o private_a in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o public_a concern_v of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n in_o their_o respective_a season_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v million_o of_o sick_a and_o weak_a person_n to_o who_o distemper_n the_o approach_n of_o either_o of_o those_o season_n will_v prove_v certain_o mortal_a be_v it_o now_o think_v we_o rational_a that_o god_n shall_v suspend_v a_o summer_n or_o a_o winter_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o distemper_n of_o those_o crazy_a bodily-weak_a brethren_n and_o thereby_o to_o incommode_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alike_o here_o however_o this_o indeed_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n or_o supreme_a power_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o generality_n or_o majority_n of_o his_o people_n the_o make_n of_o such_o a_o law_n will_v be_v in_o he_o a_o sin_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o his_o trust_n but_o still_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o office_n oblige_v he_o only_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o his_o people_n and_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o particular_n come_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n distinct_a from_o or_o opposite_a to_o that_o he_o be_v not_o during_o such_o its_o opposition_n at_o all_o bind_v to_o regard_n or_o provide_v for_o it_o nor_o to_o answer_n for_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v attend_v such_o person_n either_o in_o their_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o a_o weak_a conscience_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v either_o to_o grieve_v it_o or_o to_o embolden_v it_o to_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v now_o object_v against_o this_o that_o the_o text_n call_v a_o sin_v against_o a_o weak_a conscience_n a_o sin_v against_o christ_n to_o who_o we_o can_v no_o way_n proper_o be_v say_v to_o administer_v any_o occasion_n or_o inducement_n to_o sin_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n of_o sin_v against_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n import_v only_o a_o grieve_v or_o disobey_v he_o though_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o weak_a conscience_n it_o signify_v the_o other_o thing_n too_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o sentence_n under_o a_o diverse_a signification_n have_v thus_o finish_v the_o two_o first_o thing_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o which_o be_v to_o set_v down_o those_o conclusion_n which_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n and_o deduction_n natural_o result_v from_o the_o forego_n particular_n which_o conclusion_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o no_o man_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o or_o for_o any_o length_n of_o time_n continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v but_o also_o the_o common_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n can_v just_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o as_o such_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n can_v upon_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v actual_o plead_v so_o upon_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v in_o 3._o that_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v both_o plead_v and_o continue_v in_o yet_o the_o plea_n of_o it_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o prejudice_n of_o any_o law_n either_o actual_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o the_o general_n good_a of_o his_o people_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n first_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o so_o much_o force_n and_o use_v right_o apply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n it_o have_v not_o be_v more_o insist_v upon_o against_o those_o who_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o this_o plea_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v whole_o cashier_v and_o pluck_v it_o up_o by_o the_o very_a root_n and_o man_n mistake_v the_o method_n of_o dispute_v with_o these_o pretender_n to_o weak_a conscience_n now_o adays_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o very_a supposition_n that_o they_o either_o have_v or_o can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d â—eak_a conscience_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o debate_v with_o they_o how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n this_o their_o weakness_n ought_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o but_o absolute_o to_o deny_v that_o among_o we_o and_o under_o our_o circumstance_n there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n st._n paul_n indeed_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o according_o urge_v a_o compliance_n with_o it_o but_o where_o the_o case_n be_v whole_o different_a there_o the_o privilege_n applicable_a to_o both_o can_v be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o these_o place_n in_o which_o this_o apostle_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o show_v that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v himself_o be_v but_o new_a convert_v some_o of_o which_o be_v just_o convert_v and_o come_v off_o from_o judaisme_n who_o reverence_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v be_v suck_v in_o by_o they_o with_o their_o very_a milk_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o people_n to_o that_o strange_a height_n almost_o of_o adoration_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o law_n even_o â—fter_o christ_n death_n and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o its_o abrogation_n be_v for_o a_o time_n invincible_a and_o for_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o new_a convert_v they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o consequent_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o those_o heathen_n with_o a_o suspicion_n and_o a_o jealousy_n so_o strong_a that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a present_o to_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o charity_n for_o some_o time_n to_o be_v comply_v with_o for_o as_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n of_o education_n be_v exceed_v hardly_o remove_v and_o break_v so_o be_v once_o break_v the_o aversion_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o they_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a be_v altogether_o as_o impetuous_a and_o as_o hardly_o governable_a by_o impartial_a reason_n whereupon_o shadow_n be_v oftentimes_o mistake_v for_o substance_n whilst_o man_n through_o immoderate_a fearfulness_n first_o create_v to_o themselves_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o then_o fly_v from_o they_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o now_o adays_o among_o we_o who_o from_o their_o cradle_n have_v or_o migâ—â—_n have_v have_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o who_o have_v still_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o church_n
which_o protest_v against_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o have_v any_o just_a appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n upon_o it_o but_o offer_v to_o vindicate_v every_o thing_n practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o it_o from_o any_o such_o imputation_n these_o man_n sure_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v those_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o possess_v man_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o all_o their_o day_n in_o judaism_n or_o idolatry_n and_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v from_o it_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v this_o also_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v nothing_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o practice_v but_o what_o lie_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o any_o common_a apprehension_n which_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o which_o thing_n since_o the_o church_n inculcate_n to_o all_o within_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v by_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v justifiable_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o seâ—â—e_n in_o which_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a who_o st._n paul_n deal_v with_o either_o in_o that_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o this_o to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o can_v any_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n allege_v any_o tolerable_a cause_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o catechism_n a_o thing_n so_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o yet_o so_o full_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o a_o christian_a that_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a industry_n may_v make_v any_o one_o a_o master_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o that_o he_o only_o can_v plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n upon_o scripture_n ground_n who_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a of_o some_o point_n of_o duty_n or_o privilege_n he_o only_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a who_o ignorance_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will._n that_o ignorance_n only_o be_v not_o so_o which_o be_v cause_v either_o by_o want_n of_o ability_n of_o understanding_n or_o of_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o he_o who_o have_v the_o common_a use_n of_o reason_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n and_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o know_v whatsoever_o concern_v he_o either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v from_o a_o joint_a connexion_n and_o a_o unavoidable_a coherence_n of_o which_o proposition_n one_o with_o another_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o weakness_n but_o want_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a distemper_n of_o those_o person_n who_o at_o this_o day_n disturb_v the_o church_n second_o the_o second_o assertion_n or_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o as_o such_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n can_v upon_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v actual_o plead_v so_o upon_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o a_o weak_a conscience_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remove_v or_o lay_v down_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o growth_n and_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o certain_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o persist_v in_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o knowledge_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v here_o willing_a that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o shall_v be_v comply_v with_o elsewhere_o upbraid_v and_o reprehend_v man_n sharp_o for_o continue_v under_o it_o as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o cor._n the_o 3_o d_o chap._n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 3_o d._n verse_n he_o call_v such_o babe_n and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n and_o to_o show_v yet_o further_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o estate_n he_o say_v that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o can_v not_o treat_v they_o as_o spiritual_a person_n but_o as_o carnal_a the_o same_o reprehension_n he_o repeat_v in_o heb._n 5.12_o where_o he_o again_o upbraid_v they_o with_o this_o appellation_n of_o babe_n tell_v they_o that_o whereas_o for_o the_o time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o spiritual_a childhood_n so_o long_o that_o they_o have_v need_n that_o one_o teach_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v that_o these_o be_v such_o weak_a conscience_n as_o we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o v_o he_o oppose_v they_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o want_n of_o which_o discernment_n be_v proper_o that_o thing_n wherein_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n do_v consist_v whereupon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n call_v upon_o such_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n which_o sure_o imply_v that_o this_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o they_o be_v to_o rest_v in_o and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n in_o our_o contest_v with_o the_o pretender_n to_o weak_a or_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o to_o inquire_v of_o they_o how_o long_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v weak_a and_o whether_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o their_o freehold_n and_o as_o that_o which_o they_o resolve_v to_o keep_v for_o term_n of_o life_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v babe_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o to_o grow_v up_o into_o childhood_n and_o at_o length_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n infant_n and_o weakling_n of_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n old_a this_o 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fallacy_n and_o inconsequence_n conclude_v ab_fw-la imparibus_fw-la tamquà m_fw-la paribus_fw-la and_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v and_o blow_v off_o by_o that_o one_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n as_o our_o way_n isa._n 55.8_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o neither_o be_v his_o nature_n as_o our_o nature_n nor_o his_o divine_a person_n as_o our_o person_n and_o if_o so_o where_o be_v the_o socinian_n logic_n in_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o hardly_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v concern_v the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n but_o this_o but_o there_o be_v also_o two_o other_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o do_v as_o much_o transcend_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o former_a one_o of_o which_o be_v the_o conversion_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n sinful_a nature_n common_o call_v the_o work_n of_o regenâ—â—â—â—â—â—on_n or_o the_o new-birth_n concern_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o wonder_n and_o deserve_o too_o by_o what_o strange_a power_n and_o efficacy_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o conquer_v and_o shake_v off_o those_o inveterate_a appetite_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v both_o so_o violent_a in_o their_o act_n and_o so_o early_o in_o their_o original_a as_o be_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v other_o new_a one_o and_o those_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a plant_v in_o their_o room_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n in_o john_n 3._o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o he_o be_v present_o amaze_v and_o non-plus_a at_o it_o as_o at_o a_o great_a paradox_n and_o impossibility_n and_o forth_o with_o begin_v to_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o indeed_o he_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n live_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v concern_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n but_o above_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o lie_v marvellous_o cross_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—ommon_a experience_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v yet_o see_v by_o they_o after_o a_o total_a consumption_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o resume_v the_o same_o numerical_a body_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o among_o all_o the_o rare_a occurrence_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o wonder_n and_o anomaly_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o consequent_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v apt_a to_o startle_v and_o to_o be_v full_a of_o thought_n and_o scruple_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v this_o out_o by_o bare_a reason_n as_o possible_o some_o opiniator_n may_v let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o doughty_a reason_n about_o transubstantiation_n or_o turn_v knight_n errant_a in_o divinity_n encounter_v giant_n and_o windmill_n and_o adventure_v to_o explain_v thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v explain_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o unavoidable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n namely_o that_o most_o of_o they_o fall_v neither_o within_o the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n act_n nor_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o mystery_n namely_o the_o nature_n
and_o a_o free_a uncontrolled_a passage_n into_o all_o thing_n intelligible_a we_o shall_v then_o surmount_v these_o beggarly_a rudiment_n and_o mean_a help_n of_o knowledge_n which_o now_o by_o many_o little_a step_n gradual_o raise_v we_o to_o some_o short_a speculation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v then_o intuitive_a and_o above_o discourse_n not_o proceed_v by_o a_o long_a circuit_n of_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n as_o now_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o imperfection_n it_o be_v force_v to_o do_v but_o it_o shall_v then_o full_o inform_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a object_n by_o one_o single_a and_o substantial_a act._n for_o as_o in_o that_o condition_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o happiness_n so_o we_o shall_v also_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n who_o outshine_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o a_o transcendent_a ability_n of_o know_v and_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o very_a glory_n and_o crown_a excellency_n of_o a_o create_a nature_n faith_n itself_o shall_v be_v then_o account_v too_o mean_a a_o thing_n to_o accompany_v we_o in_o that_o estate_n for_o be_v only_o conversant_a about_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o can_v have_v no_o admittance_n into_o that_o place_n the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o which_o shall_v be_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o sight_n which_o before_o we_o take_v whole_o upon_o trust._n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o some_o account_n first_o of_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o it_o as_o also_o from_o those_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v design_v it_o to_o from_o all_o which_o discourse_n several_a very_o weighty_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v but_o i_o shall_v collect_v and_o draw_v from_o thence_o only_a these_o three_o as_o first_o the_o high_a reasonableness_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o of_o their_o respective_a teacher_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n in_o particular_a rather_o than_o upon_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n in_o such_o important_a and_o mysterious_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v of_o i_o say_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o constant_a business_n as_o well_o as_o their_o avow_v profession_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o mystery_n so_o far_o as_o humane_a reason_n can_v attain_v to_o they_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o instruction_n and_o information_n of_o other_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o of_o divinity_n wherein_o man_n do_v not_o own_o something_o of_o a_o mystery_n and_o according_o reckon_v it_o both_o high_o rational_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o many_o case_n to_o resign_v and_o submit_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o skill_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatsoever_o for_o who_o judgement_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v follow_v about_o any_o thing_n his_o who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o whole_a work_n and_o call_v to_o understand_v that_o thing_n or_o he_o who_o have_v bestow_v his_o whole_a time_n part_n and_o labour_n upon_o something_o else_o which_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o it_o and_o have_v no_o cognation_n at_o all_o with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v not_o only_a reason_n to_o persuade_v but_o also_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o see_v in_o what_o notable_a word_n the_o prophet_n assert_v this_o privilege_n to_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n mal._n 2.7_o the_o priest_n lip_n say_v he_o shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n add_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o for_o say_v he_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n for_o which_o word_n no_o doubt_n this_o prophet_n will_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o man_n of_o heat_n now_o a_o day_n for_o in_o good_a earnest_n they_o run_v very_o high_a and_o look_v very_o severe_o upon_o our_o so_o much_o applaud_v or_o rather_o dote_v upon_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o cast_v the_o least_o eye_n of_o favour_n upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o mortal_a stab_n to_o it_o than_o all_o the_o plea_n argument_n and_o apology_n i_o can_v ever_o yet_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o have_v be_v a_o defence_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v the_o same_o privilege_n sink_v one_o jot_n low_o under_o the_o christian_a constitution_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o mystery_n so_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v declare_v the_o steward_n of_o these_o mystery_n and_o whatsoever_o any_o one_o dispense_v as_o a_o steward_n he_o dispense_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o office_n and_o commission_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o dispense_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o people_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o upon_o his_o declaration_n of_o it_o equal_o bind_v to_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n indeed_o in_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v i_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n but_o a_o due_a deference_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a guide_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o i_o state_n the_o measure_n of_o this_o submission_n in_o a_o belief_n of_o and_o a_o obedience_n to_o all_o that_o a_o man_n spiritual_a guide_n shall_v in_o that_o capacity_n declare_v and_o enjoin_v provide_v that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v or_o at_o least_o upon_o very_o great_a and_o just_a ground_n doubt_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o two_o condition_n i_o allow_v ought_v always_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o this_o case_n and_o then_o if_o no_o objection_n from_o either_o of_o these_o shall_v interpose_v i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o his_o spiritual_a pastor_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o his_o say_a pastor_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n deliver_v to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o it_o make_v up_o of_o mystery_n second_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n to_o declare_v and_o dispense_v these_o mystery_n and_o three_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v his_o wisdom_n thus_o to_o order_v both_o these_o certain_o man_n will_v both_o treat_v the_o gospel_n itself_o more_o like_a a_o mystery_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o like_o the_o dispenser_n of_n so_o high_a and_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n than_o the_o guise_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o present_a bless_a time_n dispose_v they_o to_o do_v that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n man_n will_v be_v less_o confident_a of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o more_o apt_a to_o pay_v a_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o be_v both_o more_o conversant_a in_o these_o matter_n than_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v and_o who_o the_o same_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v over_o they_o as_o their_o guide_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o a_o high_a self-opinion_n and_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n to_o be_v so_o in_o no_o body_n else_o in_o fine_a every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o be_v his_o own_o divine_a his_o own_o priest_n and_o his_o own_o teacher_n and_o he_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o be_v his_o own_o physician_n and_o his_o own_o lawyer_n too_o and_o then_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o course_n he_o find_v himself_o speed_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n let_v he_o upon_o the_o same_o reckon_v of_o his_o success_n in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o learn_v also_o from_o the_o forego_n particular_n the_o gross_a unreasonableness_n and_o the_o manifest_a sophistry_n of_o man_n make_n whatsoever_o they_o find_v by_o themselves_o not_o intelligible_a that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o humane_a reason_n not_o comprehensible_a the_o measure_n whereby_o they_o will_v conclude_v the_o same_o also_o to_o
even_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v condemn_v this_o and_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o make_v christ_n either_o one_o with_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n clear_o confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_a a_o assertion_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n or_o original_a of_o david_n as_o he_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o namely_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a power_n which_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o john_n 1.3_o but_o how_o ready_a natural_a reason_n will_v be_v to_o rise_v up_o against_o this_o assertion_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a and_o how_o that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o nature_n god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o as_o a_o proposition_n not_o only_o false_a but_o foolish_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v laugh_v than_o dispute_v out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o also_o be_v no_o surprise_n to_o we_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o or_o to_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o bare_a discourse_n of_o reason_n he_o must_v be_v very_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o reason_n himself_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n address_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o familiar_a natural_a way_n of_o construction_n proper_a to_o humane_a write_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v natural_o god_n be_v irrational_a when_o his_o be_v so_o be_v so_o frequent_o assert_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o as_o clear_a term_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o express_v his_o mind_n by_o to_o another_o if_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o very_a thing_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o the_o preposterous_a tenet_n of_o socinus_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o deny_v the_o natural_a deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o book_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o and_o his_o sect_n deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o say_v for_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v argue_v that_o that_o write_n or_o doctrine_n which_o affirm_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a can_v be_v true_a and_o much_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o 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that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o his_o creator_n shall_v never_o have_v he_o for_o his_o redeemer_n have_v thus_o show_v how_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o original_a of_o david_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v second_o that_o he_o be_v his_o offspring_n too_o and_o so_o have_v assert_v his_o divinity_n to_o clear_v also_o his_o humanity_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a be_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o depend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a promise_a messiah_n the_o grand_a and_o chief_a thing_n assert_v by_o he_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o
into_o which_o they_o be_v convey_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o but_o a_o bare_a reception_n as_o when_o you_o pour_v some_o generous_a wine_n or_o liquor_n into_o a_o cask_n or_o vessel_n that_o afford_v nothing_o to_o its_o own_o fullness_n but_o a_o mere_a capacity_n the_o rest_n it_o owe_v whole_o to_o the_o liberal_a hand_n that_o infuse_v it_o and_o no_o doubt_n from_o a_o allusion_n to_o this_o such_o endowment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o way_n of_o infusion_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o kind_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n which_o great_a thing_n may_v indeed_o be_v the_o object_n of_o man_n admiration_n and_o sometime_o also_o the_o motive_n of_o their_o envy_n but_o never_o the_o effect_n or_o purchase_v of_o their_o own_o endeavour_n now_o concern_v these_o gift_n we_o must_v observe_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n among_o they_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o inexistence_n in_o the_o person_n who_o have_v they_o for_o one_o of_o they_o to_o wit_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n after_o its_o first_o infusion_n by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v in_o a_o man_n by_o habitual_a inherence_n as_o a_o stand_a principle_n or_o power_n reside_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o enable_v it_o upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o express_v itself_o in_o several_a language_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o acquire_v and_o the_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o tongue_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o first_o obtainment_n that_o one_o be_v by_o industrious_a acquisition_n the_o other_o by_o divine_a infusion_n but_o then_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o the_o like_a in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o be_v immediate_a emanation_n from_o and_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o divine_a 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it_o only_o by_o sudden_a stricture_n by_o transient_a immission_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n future_a to_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n not_o as_o a_o inhabitant_n but_o as_o a_o guest_n that_o be_v by_o intermittent_a return_v and_o ecstasy_n by_o occasional_a rapture_n and_o revelation_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v good_a to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v how_o they_o qualify_v and_o affect_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o abuse_v our_o understanding_n by_o a_o empty_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n without_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v how_o long_o these_o 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but_o convince_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o god_n but_o when_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v once_o remove_v by_o the_o actual_a entertainment_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o can_v not_o be_v the_o same_o use_n or_o need_v of_o miracle_n then_o which_o there_o be_v before_o for_o still_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o infancy_n and_o first_o beginning_n and_o in_o its_o maturity_n and_o continuance_n be_v very_o different_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o exigency_n of_o it_o under_o each_o condition_n must_v equal_o differ_v too_o it_o be_v a_o much_o hard_a work_n first_o to_o advance_v and_o put_v a_o thing_n into_o motion_n than_o to_o continue_v and_o keep_v up_o that_o motion_n be_v once_o begin_v for_o though_o indeed_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o there_o be_v a_o omnipotence_n require_v to_o maintain_v as_o well_o as_o first_o to_o set_v up_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o omnipotence_n must_v still_o exert_v itself_o to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o after_o the_o same_o way_n in_o one_o case_n that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o wherefore_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o time_n they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o continuance_n to_o thwart_v their_o design_n nor_o to_o be_v make_v common_a by_o their_o be_v perpetual_a the_o exact_a period_n of_o their_o duration_n can_v hardly_o be_v assign_v but_o manifest_a it_o be_v from_o all_o history_n that_o they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o several_a age_n of_o those_o eminent_a father_n and_o christian_a writer_n who_o have_v so_o free_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o eject_v of_o evil_a spirit_n from_o person_n possess_v as_o very_o common_a in_o their_o time_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o power_n no_o doubt_n supernatural_a and_o therefore_o miraculous_a such_o as_o be_v justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v something_o before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n and_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v about_o thirty_o year_n after_o and_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o second_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o and_o minutius_n felix_n thereabouts_o and_o st._n cyprian_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o and_o lactantius_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o all_o these_o i_o say_v according_a to_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o more_o especial_o tertullian_n in_o the_o twenty_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o apologetic_n with_o so_o much_o assurance_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v very_o frequent_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n as_o several_a passage_n in_o those_o formentioned_a writer_n particular_o declare_v which_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v and_o rehearse_v by_o we_o can_v we_o spare_v room_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n but_o however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o now_o these_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v cease_v and_o that_o upon_o as_o good_a reason_n as_o at_o first_o they_o begin_v for_o when_o the_o spiritual_a building_n be_v consummate_v and_o not_o only_o the_o corner_n stone_n lay_v but_o the_o superstructure_n also_o finish_v to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o scaffold_n any_o long_o stand_v which_o when_o they_o leave_v off_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o building_n can_v serve_v for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o upbraid_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o builder_n beside_o that_o by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n miracle_n will_v almost_o turn_v into_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o look_v very_a like_o it_o the_o rarity_n of_o
heaven_n will_v grow_v cheap_a and_o common_a and_o which_o be_v very_o preposterous_a to_o conceive_v they_o will_v be_v miracle_n without_o a_o wonder_n the_o papist_n indeed_o who_o have_v swallow_v and_o digest_v the_o belief_n of_o so_o many_o monstrous_a contradiction_n will_v do_v but_o very_o unwise_o and_o disagreeable_o to_o themselves_o if_o for_o ever_o after_o they_o shall_v stick_v at_o any_o advantageous_a absurdity_n these_o i_o say_v hold_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n still_o continue_v ordinary_a in_o their_o church_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v still_o the_o same_o need_n of_o such_o miraculous_a confirmation_n as_o it_o have_v at_o first_o where_o if_o by_o the_o christian_n they_o mean_v their_o own_o popish_a religion_n i_o be_o so_o full_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v need_n not_o only_o of_o daily_a but_o even_o of_o hourly_a or_o rather_o continual_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o in_o that_o one_o single_a article_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o then_o we_o know_v who_o badge_n and_o character_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o to_o come_v in_o lie_v wonder_n and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o lie_v wonder_n be_v true_a imposture_n and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o fallacy_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o the_o cheat_n so_o transparent_a in_o they_o that_o as_o it_o harden_v the_o jew_n and_o mahumetan_n with_o a_o desperate_a invincible_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n as_o a_o thing_n as_o false_a as_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v it_o recommend_v by_o so_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o it_o cause_n many_o christian_n also_o to_o nauseate_a their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o secret_a atheism_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v as_o even_o these_o impostor_n also_o pretend_v that_o the_o very_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o they_o see_v daily_o act_v by_o these_o spiritual_a juggler_n so_o that_o hereby_o the_o grand_a proof_n of_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o have_v no_o force_n or_o hold_v upon_o man_n mind_n at_o all_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n himself_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o his_o miracle_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v say_v he_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10.25_o and_o believe_v i_o for_o my_o very_a work_n sake_n john_n 14.11_o and_o have_v i_o not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15.24_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o turn_v upon_o his_o miracle_n his_o mighty_a and_o supernatural_a work_n but_o as_o we_o know_v it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o get_v the_o character_n of_o a_o liar_n even_o truth_n itself_o be_v suspect_v if_o not_o absolute_o disbelieved_a when_o it_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o a_o one_o so_o these_o miracle-mongersâ—aving_a â—aving_z alarm_v the_o world_n round_o about_o tâ—em_n to_o a_o discernment_n of_o their_o trick_n wâ—en_o they_o come_v afterward_o to_o preach_v christianity_n especial_o to_o infidel_n and_o to_o preâ—â—_n it_o upon_o man_n belief_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o miraculous_a work_n which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o do_v by_o christ_n yet_o since_o they_o pretend_v the_o same_o of_o their_o own_o work_n too_o which_o all_o people_n see_v through_o and_o know_v to_o be_v lie_n and_o imposture_n all_o that_o they_o preach_v of_o christ_n be_v present_o look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o fictitious_a and_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n lock_v up_o under_o a_o fix_a obstinate_a and_o impregnable_a infidelity_n such_o a_o fatal_a blow_n have_v the_o legerdemain_n of_o those_o wretch_n give_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o jealousy_n have_v they_o raise_v in_o some_o man_n thought_n against_o it_o by_o their_o false_a miracle_n and_o fabulous_a story_n of_o the_o romantic_a feat_n of_o their_o pretend_a saint_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o indeed_o strange_a or_o miraculous_a but_o the_o impudence_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o as_o report_v and_o make_v they_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o can_v believe_v they_o 2._o pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n it_o import_v i_o conceive_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o something_o by_o way_n of_o affirmation_n which_o be_v variety_n 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n which_o be_v contrariety_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o it_o import_v variety_n of_o which_o excellent_a qualification_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o it_o make_v more_o for_o use_n or_o ornament_n it_o be_v the_o very_a beauty_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v alive_a desire_n which_o will_v otherwise_o flag_n and_o tire_n and_o be_v quick_o weary_a of_o any_o one_o single_a object_n it_o both_o supply_v our_o affection_n and_o entertain_v our_o admiration_n equal_o serve_v the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o the_o important_a occasion_n of_o life_n and_o now_o all_o these_o advantage_n god_n will_v have_v this_o desirable_a quality_n derive_v even_o upon_o his_o church_n too_o in_o which_o great_a body_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v several_a member_n have_v their_o several_a use_v office_n and_o station_n as_o in_o the_o 28_o the_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o my_o text_n be_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o preacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n then_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n the_o particular_a function_n and_o employment_n of_o so_o many_o part_n subserve_v the_o joint_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o clock_n be_v a_o complicate_v motion_n of_o so_o many_o wheel_n fit_o put_v together_o and_o life_n itself_o but_o the_o result_n of_o so_o many_o several_a operation_n all_o issue_v from_o and_o contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o great_a help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o action_n be_v order_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o order_n be_v distinction_n no_o sense_n faculty_n or_o member_n must_v encroach_v upon_o or_o interfere_v with_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o another_o for_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v no_o but_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o eye_n do_v not_o speak_v nor_o the_o tongue_n see_v so_o neither_o in_o the_o spiritual_a be_v every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n endue_v also_o with_o the_o gift_n and_o spirit_n of_o government_n every_o one_o who_o may_v speak_v well_o and_o pertinent_o enough_o upon_o a_o text_n be_v not_o therefore_o present_o fit_a to_o rule_v a_o diocese_n nor_o be_v a_o nimble_a tongue_n always_o attend_v with_o a_o strong_a and_o a_o steady_a head_n if_o all_o be_v preacher_n who_o shall_v govern_v or_o rather_o indeed_o who_o can_v be_v govern_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v all_o ear_n man_n will_v be_v only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o where_o will_v then_o be_v the_o doer_n for_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v most_o to_o seek_v for_o in_o our_o day_n in_o which_o sad_a experience_n show_v that_o hear_v of_o sermon_n have_v with_o most_o swallow_v up_o and_o devour_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o manifest_o serve_v instead_o of_o it_o render_v many_o zealot_n among_o we_o as_o real_o guilty_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la of_o this_o duty_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v or_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o their_o religious_a performance_n whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n just_o reproach_n such_o with_o itch_a ear_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o and_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o the_o itch_n in_o the_o ear_n be_v as_o bad_a a_o distemper_n as_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o perhaps_o a_o worse_o but_o to_o proceed_v god_n have_v use_v of_o all_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o exigence_n of_o his_o church_n by_o among_o which_o some_o be_v of_o a_o sanguine_a cheerful_a and_o debonair_a disposition_n have_v their_o imagination_n for_o the_o most_o part_n fill_v and_o take_v up_o with_o please_a idea_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n seldom_o or_o never_o trouble_v their_o thought_n either_o by_o
look_v too_o deep_a into_o they_o or_o dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o they_o and_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o frame_v to_o serve_v the_o church_n either_o in_o the_o knotty_a dark_a and_o less_o please_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v fit_v rather_o for_o the_o airy_a joyful_a office_n of_o devotion_n such_o as_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n jubilation_n and_o halleluja_n which_o though_o indeed_o not_o so_o difficult_a be_v yet_o as_o please_v a_o work_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o for_o they_o be_v the_o noble_a employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o the_o glorify_a and_o beatific_a state_n in_o which_o all_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n do_v be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n who_o make_v and_o save_v they_o to_o sing_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o adore_v his_o perfection_n again_o there_o be_v other_o of_o a_o melancholy_n reserve_v and_o severe_a temper_n who_o think_v much_o and_o speak_v little_a and_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o the_o pensive_a afflictive_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o austerity_n of_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n in_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n and_o a_o settle_a composure_n of_o their_o thought_n to_o self-reflexion_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o also_o be_v the_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o trouble_a and_o distress_a conscience_n to_o meet_v with_o their_o doubt_n and_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n and_o to_o ransack_v every_o corner_n of_o their_o shift_a and_o fallacious_a heart_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n have_v so_o frequent_o descend_v into_o and_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o work_n that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o who_o mind_n and_o temper_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o who_o yet_o may_v be_v serviceable_a enough_o to_o the_o church_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thoughtful_a and_o reserve_a temper_n of_o spirit_n which_o must_v enable_v other_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hard_a and_o controversial_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o sort_n of_o man_n though_o they_o shall_v never_o rub_v man_n itch_a ear_n from_o the_o pulpit_n the_o church_n can_v no_o more_o be_v without_o than_o a_o garrison_n can_v be_v without_o soldier_n or_o a_o city_n without_o wall_n or_o than_o a_o man_n can_v defend_v himself_o with_o his_o tongue_n when_o his_o enemy_n come_v against_o he_o with_o his_o sword_n and_o therefore_o great_a pity_n it_o be_v that_o such_o as_o god_n have_v eminent_o and_o peculiar_o furnish_v and_o as_o it_o be_v cut_v out_o for_o this_o service_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o and_o compel_v to_o the_o popular_a speak_v noisy_a part_n of_o divinity_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o when_o a_o town_n be_v besiege_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o shall_v call_v off_o a_o valiant_a and_o expert_a soldier_n from_o the_o wall_n to_o sing_v he_o a_o song_n or_o play_v he_o a_o lesson_n upon_o the_o violin_n at_o a_o banquet_n and_o then_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o town_n because_o he_o can_v not_o sing_v and_o play_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v fight_v and_o yet_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v but_o too_o like_o the_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a humour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o think_v all_o sense_n and_o worth_n confine_v whole_o to_o the_o pulpit_n and_o many_o excellent_a person_n because_o they_o can_v make_v a_o noise_n with_o chapter_n and_o verse_n and_o harangue_n it_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o factious_a tradesman_n and_o ignorant_a old_a woman_n be_v esteem_v of_o as_o nothing_o and_o scarce_o think_v worthy_a to_o eat_v the_o church_n bread_n but_o for_o all_o these_o false_a notion_n and_o wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n so_o scandalous_o prevalent_a among_o we_o wisdom_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v and_o will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n but_o then_o again_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o warm_a and_o more_o fervent_a spirit_n have_v much_o of_o heat_n and_o fire_n in_o their_o constitution_n and_o god_n may_v and_o do_v serve_v his_o church_n even_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n as_o these_o also_o as_o be_v particular_o fit_v to_o preach_v the_o terrify_a rigour_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o obstinate_a dare_a sinner_n which_o be_v a_o work_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o as_o high_a as_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v drive_v if_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v cut_v and_o lance_v if_o they_o can_v otherwise_o be_v cure_a and_o that_o the_o terrible_a trump_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v be_v always_o sound_a in_o their_o ear_n if_o nothing_o else_o can_v awaken_v they_o but_o then_o while_o such_o person_n be_v thus_o busy_v in_o preach_v of_o judgement_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o judgement_n too_o and_o not_o preach_v hell_n and_o damnation_n to_o sinner_n so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o what_o they_o preach_v no_o let_v they_o rather_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o mistake_v not_o their_o own_o fierce_a temper_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o some_o i_o have_v know_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o distinguish_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o speaker_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v let_v minister_n threaten_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o to_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o their_o sober_a hearer_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v but_o fear_v that_o these_o dreadful_a thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v let_v they_o declare_v god_n wrath_n against_o the_o harden_a and_o impenitent_a as_o i_o have_v see_v a_o judge_n condemn_v a_o malefactor_n with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n for_o sure_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n while_o he_o be_v pronounce_v the_o infinite_o more_o kill_a sentence_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n grieve_v with_o a_o inward_a bleed_a compassion_n for_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o forlorn_a wretch_n who_o it_o be_v like_a to_o pass_v upon_o but_o i_o never_o know_v any_o of_o the_o geneva_n or_o scotch_a model_n which_o sort_n of_o sanctified_a reprobationer_n we_o abound_v with_o either_o use_n or_o like_o this_o way_n of_o preach_v in_o my_o life_n but_o general_o whip_n and_o scorpion_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n make_v both_o top_n and_o bottom_n front_n and_o rear_n first_o and_o last_o of_o all_o their_o discourse_n but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v other_o again_o of_o a_o gentle_a a_o soft_a and_o more_o tender_a genius_n and_o these_o be_v full_a as_o serviceable_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o the_o former_a sort_n can_v be_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o represent_v the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n than_o to_o preach_v his_o law_n to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o speak_v comfort_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o weary_a and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o burden_n from_o the_o heavy_a lade_v nature_n itself_o seem_v peculiarly_a to_o have_v fit_v such_o for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o put_v into_o the_o ministry_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v mark_v and_o single_v out_o by_o providence_n to_o do_v those_o benign_a office_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o person_n of_o a_o rough_a and_o more_o vehement_a disposition_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n so_o fit_a or_o able_a to_o do_v these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o god_n pitch_v upon_o for_o the_o herald_n of_o his_o mercy_n with_o a_o peculiar_a emphasis_n and_o felicity_n of_o address_n to_o proclaim_v and_o issue_v out_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o close_v up_o the_o wound_n which_o the_o legal_a preacher_n have_v make_v to_o bathe_v and_o supple_a they_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o crown_v the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o assurance_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v both_o its_o boanarge_n and_o its_o barnabas_n son_n of_o thunder_n and_o son_n of_o consolation_n the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v to_o cleanse_v the_o air_n and_o purge_n the_o soul_n before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o refreshment_n of_o a_o sunshine_n the_o beam_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o smile_n of_o a_o saviour_n david_n have_v show_v himself_o but_o a_o mean_a psalmist_n have_v his_o skill_n reach_v no_o further_o than_o to_o one_o note_n and_o therefore_o psal._n 101._o 1_o
sy_n v._n we_o have_v he_o sing_v of_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n and_o so_o raise_v the_o sweet_a harmony_n out_o of_o the_o seem_a discord_n of_o the_o most_o disagree_a attribute_n there_o can_v be_v no_o composition_n in_o any_o thing_n without_o some_o multiplicity_n and_o diversity_n of_o part_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v as_o it_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v up_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o 8_o 9_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o this_o 12_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o 1_o st_z to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o faith_n with_o many_o more_o such_o like_a gift_n there_o reckon_v up_o and_o indeed_o so_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o gift_n pour_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v need_v almost_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n to_o rehearse_v they_o of_o which_o great_a variety_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o observe_v the_o use_n so_o it_o be_v intend_v also_o for_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v ornament_n for_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o god_n ever_o design_v his_o church_n for_o a_o rude_a naked_a unbeautified_a lump_n or_o lay_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o purity_n in_o the_o ruin_n of_o decency_n the_o entrance_n and_o gate_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v call_v beautiful_a and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a order_n of_o priest_n and_o levite_n belong_v to_o it_o so_o they_o have_v their_o several_a office_n their_o several_a chamber_n and_o apartment_n in_o that_o temple_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o representation_n of_o heaven_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n but_o behold_v there_o be_v wise_a much_o wise_a than_o solomon_n among_o we_o who_o will_v have_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n nothing_o of_o order_n or_o distinction_n nothing_o of_o splendour_n or_o dress_n must_v be_v allow_v of_o here_o no_o they_o be_v all_o for_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o god_n as_o their_o word_n be_v and_o therefore_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o dust_n and_o nastiness_n for_o the_o church_n furniture_n to_o attempt_v a_o confutation_n of_o such_o person_n will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o indeed_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v for_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o sordid_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o in_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o speak_v their_o devotion_n as_o their_o education_n it_o be_v general_o find_v that_o a_o slovenly_a way_n of_o breed_a dispose_n man_n to_o a_o kind_n of_o slovenly_a religion_n much_o may_v be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o analogy_n between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_n the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o material_a ornament_n of_o the_o church_n but_o both_o of_o they_o serve_v to_o dress_v and_o set_v off_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o to_o recommend_v she_o to_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n where_o will_v be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o heaven_n themselves_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o star_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o influence_n and_o then_o for_o the_o earth_n here_o below_o and_o those_o who_o dwell_v therein_o certain_o we_o may_v live_v without_o the_o plume_n of_o peacock_n and_o the_o curious_a colour_n of_o flower_n without_o so_o many_o different_a odour_n so_o many_o several_a taste_n and_o such_o a_o infinite_a diversity_n of_o air_n and_o sound_n but_o where_o will_v then_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o lustre_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o flourish_z and_o gaiety_n of_o nature_n if_o our_o sense_n be_v force_v to_o be_v always_o pore_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n without_o the_o diversion_n of_o change_n and_o the_o quicken_a relish_n of_o variety_n and_o now_o when_o matter_n stand_v thus_o may_v we_o not_o just_o say_v if_o god_n so_o clothes_n the_o field_n so_o paint_v the_o flower_n and_o pave_v the_o very_a place_n we_o tread_v upon_o and_o with_o such_o curiosity_n provide_v for_o all_o our_o sense_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o servant_n and_o under_o officer_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o provide_v for_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o his_o own_o service_n thereby_o in_o the_o glorious_a oeconomy_n and_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o moreover_o do_v not_o such_o a_o liberal_a effusion_n of_o gift_n equal_o argue_v both_o the_o power_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o giver_n number_n and_o multitude_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o material_n of_o plenty_n and_o therefore_o though_o unity_n in_o the_o government_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v indeed_o a_o great_a blessing_n yet_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o penury_n and_o a_o curse_n but_o second_o as_o this_o diversity_n of_o the_o spirit_n gift_n import_v variety_n so_o it_o exclude_v contrariety_n different_n they_o be_v but_o they_o be_v not_o opposite_a there_o be_v no_o jar_n no_o combat_n or_o contest_v between_o they_o but_o all_o be_v dispose_v of_o with_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o a_o happy_a subordination_n for_o as_o variety_n adorn_v so_o opposition_n destroy_v thing_n most_o different_a in_o nature_n may_v yet_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o design_n and_o the_o most_o distant_a line_n may_v meet_v anâ—_n clasp_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n as_o for_o instance_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n stand_v at_o that_o distance_n of_o contrariety_n as_o to_o defy_v all_o possibility_n either_o of_o likeness_n or_o reconcilement_n and_o yet_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v they_o both_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o serve_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a end_n and_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o baptise_n with_o water_n baptise_n also_o with_o fire_n it_o be_v a_o art_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o end_n by_o several_a method_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a operation_n to_o concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o emanation_n of_o so_o many_o and_o different_a gift_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o four_o directly_z and_o natural_o deducible_a from_o it_o as_o first_o if_o the_o spirit_n work_v such_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o those_o in_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n above_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n certain_o it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o be_v superior_a to_o nature_n and_o so_o may_v just_o challenge_v to_o itself_o a_o deity_n there_o have_v be_v several_a who_o have_v impugn_a the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o come_v within_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o macedonius_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v a_o person_n but_o deny_v his_o deity_n affirm_v he_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a angel_n the_o supreme_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n employ_v by_o god_n in_o administer_a the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o convey_v good_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n to_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o sometime_o simple_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o be_v hold_v also_o by_o one_o biddle_n a_o heretic_n of_o some_o note_n here_o in_o england_n a_o little_a before_o the_o restauration_n that_o be_v to_o say_v while_o confusion_n and_o toleration_n give_v countenance_n to_o almost_o all_o religion_n except_o the_o true_a 2._o but_o second_o socinus_n and_o his_o school_n deny_v both_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o personal_a subsistence_n too_o not_o grant_v he_o to_o be_v a_o person_n but_o only_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o vis_fw-fr or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o he_o effect_n or_o produce_v thing_n and_o among_o those_o who_o assert_v this_o none_o have_v give_v such_o bold_a stroke_n at_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o crellius_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr uno_fw-la deo_fw-la patre_fw-la and_o his_o other_o de_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la now_o to_o draw_v forth_o and_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o use_v to_o be_v traverse_v on_o both_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v a_o
very_a short_a time_n too_o let_v every_o sober_a humble_a and_o discreet_a christian_a therefore_o be_v advise_v to_o dread_v all_o tamper_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n either_o by_o any_o new_a and_o unwarrantable_a explication_n of_o they_o or_o descant_v upon_o they_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o i_o be_o sure_a have_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o in_o his_o time_n and_o a_o great_a plenty_n of_o revelation_n than_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v to_o since_o he_o treat_v these_o matter_n with_o much_o another_o kind_n of_o reverence_n cry_v out_o with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n o_o the_o depth_n and_o vnsearchableness_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o rom._n 11.33_o and_o again_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n in_o 2_o cor._n 2.16_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n these_o be_v his_o thought_n of_o these_o dreadful_a and_o mysterious_a depth_n and_o the_o same_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v the_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o other_o concern_v they_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o depth_n themselves_o for_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n again_o have_v it_o in_o that_o most_o note_a place_n in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n infinite_o wise_a holy_a and_o great_a be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n the_o lineal_a descent_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n from_o david_n by_o his_o bless_a mother_n the_o virgin_n mary_n prove_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o revel_n xxii_o 16_o revel_v xxii_o 16_o latter_a part_n i_o be_o the_o root_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o morning_n star_n the_o word_n here_o pitch_v upon_o by_o i_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n now_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o union_n of_o a_o double_a festival_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o both_o the_o nativity_n and_o epiphamy_n while_o they_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o star_n though_o with_o this_o difference_n i_o confess_v that_o both_o the_o mean_n direct_v and_o the_o term_n direct_v to_o do_v in_o this_o place_n coincide_n and_o christ_n the_o person_n speak_v as_o well_o as_o speak_v of_o be_v here_o the_o only_a star_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o a_o compendium_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o that_o it_o thus_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v it_o reach_v from_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n to_o this_o last_o of_o the_o revelation_n which_o latter_a though_o it_o be_v confess_o a_o book_n of_o mystery_n and_o a_o system_v of_o occult_a divinity_n yet_o sure_o it_o can_v contain_v nothing_o more_o mysterious_a and_o stupendous_a than_o the_o mystery_n here_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o text_n where_o we_o have_v christ_n declare_v himself_o both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n for_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v both_o father_n and_o son_n to_o the_o same_o person_n produce_v himself_o be_v cause_n and_o effect_v too_o and_o so_o the_o copy_n give_v be_v to_o its_o original_a seem_v at_o first_o sight_n so_o very_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v adore_v as_o a_o mystery_n it_o will_v be_v explode_v as_o a_o contradiction_n but_o since_o the_o gospel_n have_v lift_v we_o above_o our_o reason_n and_o teach_v we_o one_o of_o the_o great_a arcana_fw-la of_o heaven_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o divinity_n and_o humanity_n may_v cohabit_v in_o one_o subsistence_n that_o two_o nature_n may_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mingle_v without_o confusion_n we_o be_v thus_o teach_v and_o persuade_v shall_v here_o endeavour_v to_o exhibit_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o christ_n glorious_a person_n and_o to_o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o what_o miracle_n he_o do_v by_o consider_v he_o under_o these_o three_o several_a respect_n first_o as_o the_o root_n second_o as_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n and_o three_o as_o he_o be_v here_o term_v the_o bright_a and_o morning_n star_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n but_o how_o certain_o in_o respect_n of_o something_o in_o he_o which_o have_v a_o be_v before_o david_n but_o his_o humanity_n have_v not_o so_o be_v of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mere_a man_n he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o other_o nature_n but_o what_o that_o nature_n be_v will_v be_v the_o question_n the_o arian_n who_o deny_v his_o divinity_n but_o grant_v his_o pre-existence_n to_o his_o humanity_n which_o the_o socinian_o absolute_o deny_v hold_v he_o to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o creation_n the_o first_o and_o most_o glorious_a creature_n which_o god_n make_v a_o spiritual_a substance_n produce_v by_o he_o long_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n send_v into_o a_o body_n and_o so_o make_v incarnate_a this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o much_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o school_n of_o socinus_n though_o some_o with_o great_a impertinence_n confound_v they_o arius_n teach_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o spiritual_a subsistence_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v socinus_n hold_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n or_o be_v at_o all_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o about_o these_o two_o opinion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o but_o only_a remark_n this_o of_o they_o that_o socinus_n assert_v a_o thing_n consider_v bare_o in_o itself_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n which_o can_v much_o better_o conceive_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n natural_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o as_o such_o a_o heterogeneous_a composition_n of_o a_o body_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o strange_a spiritual_a substance_n exist_v before_o the_o creation_n as_o the_o arian_n represent_v he_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o opinion_n of_o arius_n be_v of_o the_o two_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v confute_v by_o scripture_n for_o as_o to_o socinus_n the_o chief_a argument_n bring_v from_o thence_o against_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o name_n or_o action_n of_o god_n attribute_v to_o christ_n which_o he_o think_v he_o easy_o answer_v by_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v a_o name_n not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o power_n and_o dominion_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v god_n because_o of_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o earthly_a king_n also_o in_o their_o proportion_n have_v in_o scripture_n the_o same_o title_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n but_o the_o argument_n which_o bear_v hard_a upon_o socinus_n be_v such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o rational_a contradiction_n declare_v the_o pre-existence_n and_o precedent_n be_v of_o christ_n to_o his_o conception_n such_o as_o joh._n 8._o 58._o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o in_o joh._n 17.5_o glorify_v i_o o_o father_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v which_o all_o the_o socinian_o in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o yet_o give_v any_o clear_a proper_a and_o natural_a exposition_n of_o but_o unnatural_o and_o illogical_o pervert_v and_o distort_v they_o in_o defiance_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o receive_v way_n of_o interpretation_n but_o now_o as_o for_o arius_n the_o allegation_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n prejudice_v not_o his_o hypothesis_n at_o all_o who_o grant_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o glorious_a spiritual_a substance_n of_o a_o existence_n not_o only_o before_o abraham_n but_o also_o before_o adam_n and_o the_o angel_n themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o what_o be_v christ_n then_o the_o root_n of_o david_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a pre-existing_a create_a substance_n first_o find_v out_o and_o set_v up_o by_o arius_n no_o certain_o for_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o scripture_n a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o also_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a